Systems, methods, and apparatuses for shifting and staging storage structures and parcels thereon

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for selectively shifting and staging storage structures in a storage space are provided. Systems, methods, and apparatuses for dynamically organizing packages based on a travel route are also provided. In embodiments, a plurality of parcels may be stored on storage structures located within a vehicle and each storage structure may be provided in a modular assembly. During a delivery operation, the system may determine which parcels are next to be delivered and, either based on predetermined information or dynamic information, may adjust the position of the storage structures within the vehicle using shifting mechanisms and control systems coupled thereto to present the appropriate parcel for retrieval from the vehicle.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This continuation application, having attorney docket numberIPP2023104764/UPSE.405237 and entitled “Systems, Methods and Apparatusesfor Shifting and Staging Storage Structures and Parcels Thereon,” claimspriority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/557,573,filed Aug. 30, 2019, having attorney docket numberIPP2018043178/33056.315267, and entitled “Systems, Methods andApparatuses for Shifting and Staging Storage Structures and ParcelsThereon” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/725,557, filed Aug. 31, 2018, having attorney docket numberIPP2018043178/33056.315267, and entitled, “Systems, Methods andApparatuses for Shifting and Staging Storage Structures and ParcelsThereon,” the entirety of which are incorporated here by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of this disclosure relates to systems, methods, andapparatuses for shifting and staging storage structures and parcelsthereon in a storage space in order to present them for retrieval.

BACKGROUND

Improving the efficiency of locating, storing, shifting, and retrievingparcels during a parcel routing and delivery process is an omnipresentgoal for the logistics industry. As package volume grows each year, therequirement for greater package tracking and faster delivery timesincreases. This presents an ongoing challenge to logistics carriers thatneed to streamline all stages of the parcel routing and deliveryprocess, from rotation to routing to delivery, to meet these demands.Further, the demand for faster delivery times results in a need for moreefficient parcel storage systems within delivery vehicles thatfacilitate more rapid locating and retrieving of parcels within thedelivery vehicles, and also results in the need to maximize the use ofstorage space within the vehicle in order to support efficient deliveryoperation on each delivery route. Therefore, systems, methods, andapparatuses that improve the efficiency in loading, shifting, andpresenting parcels for retrieval within a vehicle are needed.

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and itis also not intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine thescope of the claimed subject matter.

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among otherthings, systems, methods, and apparatuses for loading, shifting, and/orotherwise adjusting storage structures and parcels thereon within astorage space in order to facilitate efficient staging and retrieval ofsuch parcels, such as, for example, during a parcel delivery process.For example, these systems, methods, and apparatuses may allow for thestaging and retrieval of one or more specific parcels at a desiredlocation on a delivery vehicle depending on a delivery route and/or adelivery location that is used/reached. This staging and presenting ofstorage structures and parcels thereon may be determined based on apredetermined delivery route or a dynamically selected delivery route,allowing for more efficient parcel loading, staging, and retrievalduring a delivery operation.

In example embodiments, a plurality of parcels may be stored on storagestructures (e.g., storage carts) located within a vehicle (e.g., amanually or autonomously operated delivery vehicle) or located outsidethe vehicle in a loading area. Each storage structure may include one ormore storage shelves or other parcel support structures, which may beprovided in a modular and/or otherwise configurable assembly. In afurther aspect, the system, during a delivery operation, may determinewhich parcels stored in the delivery vehicle are next to be delivered,either based on predetermined information (e.g., a predetermineddelivery route) or based on dynamic information (e.g., a real-timedelivery route selection made by a vehicle operator or a computer), andthen the system, using various shifting/positioning mechanisms andcontrol systems coupled thereto, may adjust the position of the storagestructures within the vehicle, so that appropriate parcels are presentedfor retrieval from the vehicle at a position that reduces or limits themovement required by a delivery vehicle driver to retrieve the parcelsat the corresponding delivery location. This dynamic and adaptablepositioning of storage structures and parcels located thereon within avehicle during a delivery process can improve the efficiency andaccuracy of the delivery process and reduce time spent locating thecorrect parcels at a delivery location and also reduce time spentwalking within the storage area to retrieve the parcels. Additionally,the dynamic and adaptable positioning of storage structures and parcelscan increase the volumetric utilization of the storage area of thedelivery vehicle.

In one example embodiment, a system for adjusting parcels within astorage space is provided. The system comprises a support surface, ashifting mechanism, and a plurality of storage structures. The pluralityof storage structures are movable along the support surface using theshifting mechanism. Additionally, each of the storage structures isadapted to engage and support one or more shelves. The shiftingmechanism comprises a plurality of rollers, at least some of which arepowered to provide rotational movement in at least one direction that isimparted to one or more of the storage structures to facilitate shiftingthereof. The storage structures may comprise storage carts with eachcomprising a base with a bottom surface. Each storage cart may besupported on the rollers by its bottom surface. Alternatively, eachstorage cart may rest on a moving base whose bottom surface is supportedby the rollers. Additionally, there may be an optional lift mechanismdesigned to retrieve the parcels from the storage structure in someembodiments. In other embodiments, the parcels may be manually retrievedfrom the storage shelves on the storage structures.

In another example embodiment, a system for dynamically positioningand/or staging packages in a storage space based on a travel route isprovided. The system comprises a plurality of storage structures eachconfigured to engage and support one or more shelves, a shiftingmechanism adapted to dynamically reposition the plurality of storagestructures, and a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is adapted toretrieve objects located on the one or more shelves of the storagestructures when the storage structures are in a retrieval position, andreposition the one or more objects for retrieval from the storage space,such as by a person or by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

This disclosure and the embodiments thereof frequently describe systemsfor shifting storage structures and parcels thereon in a deliveryvehicle (e.g., a delivery truck), but these systems are not intended tobe limited to such environments, and other uses of these systems (e.g.,in a storage depot or other stationary or mobile location) are possibleand contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter disclosed herein that relates to systems, methods,and apparatuses for loading and shifting parcels is described in detailwith reference to the attached drawing figures, which are intended toillustrate non-limiting examples of the disclosed subject matter, inwhich like numerals represent like elements, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts two perspective views of an example delivery vehiclehaving a system for adjusting parcels within its storage space, abulkhead location for retrieval of one or more parcels, and a rear dooropening for retrieval of one or more parcels, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the example delivery vehicleshown in FIG. 1 that includes the system for adjusting parcels, withFIG. 2 further showing fully loaded storage structures positioned withinthe storage space of the vehicle, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 3 depicts one example storage structure that comprises a storagecart, integrated 360 degree casters of the storage cart in isolation,and a storage shelf of the storage cart in isolation, in accordance withaspects hereof;

FIG. 4 depicts several example storage shelves that may be used with thestorage cart of FIG. 3 , in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 5 depicts an example cantilevered storage shelf that can be usedwith a storage structure as described herein, the storage shelf adaptedto allow retrieval of a parcel and battery pack located thereon by aUAV, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a bulkhead portion of an example deliveryvehicle that may include the systems and apparatuses described herein,in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example delivery vehicle withits storage space loaded with parcels, in accordance with an aspectshereof;

FIG. 8 depicts example parcels that may be loaded onto storagestructures for delivery, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 9 depicts a delivery vehicle driver 900 that will utilizeartificial intelligence and intelligence augmentation during the parceldelivery process, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 10 depicts an example delivery vehicle driver retrieving one ormore parcels from a storage structure positioned at a bulkhead of adelivery vehicle, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 11 depicts a side perspective view of a delivery vehicle with astorage structure shifting system, UAVs, and a rail system on the roofof the delivery vehicle for the UAVs, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 12 depicts another side view of the delivery vehicle of FIG. 11 andillustrates the UAV returning from delivery to the rail system and thendeparting with a new parcel for delivery, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 13 depicts an example lift mechanism that positions a parcel andbattery pack for retrieval by a UAV, in accordance with an aspecthereof;

FIG. 14 depicts a partial side view and partial top perspective view ofthe delivery vehicle of FIG. 12 with a parcel ready for retrieval by aUAV via a roof hatch, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 15 depicts two perspective views of an example delivery vehicleillustrating the direction that shiftable storage structures locatedtherein can be moved using a shifting mechanism that imparts movement toa bottom surface of the storage structures, in accordance with an aspecthereof;

FIG. 16 depicts an example support surface of a shifting mechanism usedto move storage structures in a storage space, the support surfacecomprising actuated rollers that are adapted to rotate in at least onedirection to impart movement to storage structures supported thereon, inaccordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 17 depicts an example storage structure base that can be positionedon the support surface shown in FIG. 16 , allowing a storage structurecoupled to the base to be moved along the support surface, in accordancewith an aspect hereof;

FIG. 18 depicts another perspective view of the example support surfaceshown in FIG. 16 , in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 19 depicts another example support surface with rollers that formpart of a shifting mechanism used to move storage structures within astorage space, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 20 depicts the support surface of FIG. 17 situated on the floor ofa delivery vehicle with storage structure bases located thereon, showingdirections of movement of the bases imparted by the rollers of thesupport surface, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 21 depicts another example base designed to support parcels of asize larger than those shown on the storage structure of FIG. 5 , inaccordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 22 depicts a partial side perspective view of an example deliveryvehicle with storage structures containing parcels to be deliveredpresented to a delivery vehicle driver at a bulkhead of the deliveryvehicle, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 23A depicts another embodiment of the system for shifting storagestructures described herein, with a shifting mechanism adapted to impartpush/pull actuation to the storage structures in the storage space, inaccordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 23B depicts how the shifting mechanism of FIG. 23A pushes/pulls thestorage structures in the storage space shown in FIG. 23A, in accordancewith an aspect hereof;

FIG. 23C depicts the loading of a storage structure into a storage spaceand the push/pull actuation provided by the shifting mechanism shown inFIGS. 23A and 23B, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 23D depicts another embodiment of the system for shifting storagestructures described herein, showing a storage space with a shiftingmechanism located in an upper region of the storage space, the shiftingmechanism adapted to move the storage structures from above, inaccordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 23E depicts another embodiment of the system for shifting storagestructures described herein, with a shifting mechanism that is locatedin a center area of the storage space, the shifting mechanism adapted tomove the storage structures from the middle region of the storage space,in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 24 depicts a retainer that is adapted to retain the storagestructure of FIG. 23 in position after the storage structure is movedpast a one-way mechanism that forms part of the retainer, in accordancewith an aspect hereof;

FIG. 25 depicts a delivery vehicle with a system for shifting parcelsintegrated therein, the vehicle positioned in a loading area where arobotic apparatus loads parcels into storage structures located in thevehicle, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 26 depicts another partial, perspective view of the systemcomprising the shifting mechanism shown in FIG. 23 , in accordance withan aspect hereof; and

FIG. 27 depicts both the storage structure system comprising the movablebases and the storage structure system comprising the push/pullmechanism, in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of this disclosure is described herein to meetstatutory requirements. However, the description is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention. Rather, the claimed subject matter maybe embodied in other ways, to include different steps, combinations ofsteps, features, and/or combinations of features, similar to thosedescribed in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block”may be used herein to identify different elements of methods employed,the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular orderamong or between various elements except when the order is explicitlydescribed and required.

In general, this disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatusesfor loading, shifting, and/or otherwise adjusting storage structures andparcels located thereon within a storage space in order to facilitatethe efficient and accurate retrieval and delivery of the parcels. Thesesystems, methods, and apparatuses also allow for the staging andpresentation of one or more specific parcels stored in a vehicle forretrieval by an operator of the vehicle at a delivery location for theparcels. This staging and presenting may be provided based on apredetermined route or a dynamically selected route, allowing for moreefficient parcel loading, staging, and retrieval during a deliveryoperation.

In example embodiments, a plurality of parcels may be stored on storagestructures (e.g., storage carts) located within a vehicle (e.g., amanually or autonomously operated delivery vehicle). Each storagestructure may include one or more storage shelves or other parcelsupport structures, which may be provided in a modular and/or otherwiseconfigurable assembly. In a further aspect, the system, during adelivery operation, may determine which parcels stored in the deliveryvehicle are next to be delivered, either based on predeterminedinformation (e.g., a predetermined delivery route) or based on dynamicinformation (e.g., a real-time delivery route selection made by avehicle operator), and then the system, using variousshifting/positioning mechanisms and control systems coupled thereto, mayadjust the position of the storage structures within the vehicle, sothat appropriate parcels are presented at the corresponding deliverylocation for retrieval from the vehicle. This dynamic and adaptablepositioning of storage structures and parcels located thereon within avehicle during a delivery process can improve the efficiency andaccuracy of the staging and delivery of the parcels, among otherbenefits.

Referring to the routing and delivery of parcels, logistics carrierswill often maintain delivery data for each shipment that is to bedelivered. This dynamically-updated data may include a ship date, anorigin address, a destination address, a service level, a forecasteddelivery date, a unique identifier (e.g. a parcel tracking number), andexception information, in addition to other possible information. As aparcel moves through the logistics network, the unique identifier iscaptured and location information related to the shipment is updated inthe associated delivery data record.

In general, carriers generate a dispatch plan which is the schedule orroute through which a carrier assigns work to carrier service providers(e.g. delivery vehicle drivers) to coordinate and schedule the pickupand delivery of parcels. Dispatch plans are used daily by logisticscarriers to manage delivery routes and parcel delivery. Once assigned toa vehicle, the parcels to be delivered are routed to a carrier facilityfor loading onto the vehicle.

Typically, a carrier facility has a fleet of delivery vehicles that areloaded with corresponding parcels and then dispatched for delivery ofthose parcels. These parcels may be loaded manually or automaticallyinto the cargo space of the delivery vehicles. However, it is often thecase that a delivery driver must manually go into the storage space of adelivery vehicle in order to retrieve a parcel to be delivered at eachdelivery location. This process of entering the storage space of thedelivery vehicle, locating the parcel to be delivered, and manuallyretrieving the parcel can be time consuming. Even when the parcels areorganized on storage structures (e.g., wheeled storage carts) within thestorage space in the order of the delivery locations along the deliveryroute, time may still be wasted entering the storage space to locate andretrieve the parcels at the delivery locations. Further, if a deliveryvehicle driver alters the delivery route, even more time will be used todetermine where the one or more parcels associated with the “new” nextstop are located. Additionally, the current system of storing the one ormore parcels limits the use of the full capacity of the delivery vehicleas there needs to be space (e.g. a middle isle) that the vehicledelivery driver can enter to locate and retrieve the parcels fordelivery. This also limits the number of deliveries by the deliverydriver as the number of parcels that can be stored in the deliveryvehicle is less than the full capacity of the storage space.

The subject matter of this disclosure may be provided as, at least inpart, a method, a system, and/or a computer-program product, among otherthings. Accordingly, certain aspects disclosed herein may take the formof hardware, or may be a combination of software and hardware. Acomputer-program that includes computer-useable instructions embodied onone or more computer-readable media may also be used. The subject matterhereof may further be implemented as hard-coded into the mechanicaldesign of computing components and/or may be built into a system orapparatus for shifting, positioning, and/or staging parcels in a storagespace. For example, the subject matter may be incorporated into acontrol system and computing components thereof for shifting parcels ina storage space.

Computer-readable media may include volatile media, non-volatile media,removable media, and non-removable media, and may also include mediareadable by a database, a switch, and/or various other network devices.Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional innature, as are methods of communicating with the same, and thus, furtherelaboration is not provided in this disclosure. By way of example, andnot limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storagemedia and/or non-transitory communications media.

Computer storage media, or machine-readable media, may include mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storing information.Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions,data structures, program modules, and/or other data representations.Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and otherstorage devices. These memory components may store data momentarily,temporarily, and/or permanently, and are not limited to the examplesprovided herein.

In general, the term “system” may refer to, for example, one or morecomputers, computing devices, mobile phones, desktops, notebooks orlaptops, distributed systems, servers, gateways, switches, processingdevices, or a combination of processing devices adapted to perform thefunctions described herein, as well as mechanical, electrical,hydraulic, and/or other physical systems and/or components. As will beunderstood, in one embodiment, a parcel shifting system may include aprocessor that communicates with other computing hardware or softwareelements within the system via a system interface or bus. The processormay be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, theprocessor may be embodied as one or more processing elements, one ormore microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processors, one ormore processors without accompanying digital signal processors, one ormore coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or morecontrollers, and/or various other processing devices includingintegrated circuits such as, for example, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), ahardware accelerator, and/or the like.

In one example embodiment, the processor may be configured to executeinstructions stored in a device memory or stored such that it isotherwise accessible to the processor. As such, whether configured byhardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processormay represent an entity capable of performing operations according toembodiments of the present invention when configured accordingly. Adisplay device/input device for receiving and displaying data may alsobe included in, or associated with, the carrier system. The displaydevice/input device may be, for example, a keyboard or pointing devicethat is used in combination with a monitor. The carrier system mayfurther include transitory and non-transitory memory, which may includeboth random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The carriersystem's ROM may be used to store a basic input/output system (BIOS)containing the basic routines that help to transfer information to thedifferent elements within the carrier system.

In addition, in one embodiment, the carrier system may include at leastone storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a CD drive, a DVD drive,and/or an optical disk drive for storing information on variouscomputer-readable media. The storage device(s) and its associatedcomputer-readable media may provide non-volatile storage. Thecomputer-readable media described above could be replaced by any othertype of computer-readable media, such as embedded or removablemultimedia memory cards (MMCs), secure digital (SD) memory cards, MemorySticks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),flash memory, hard disk, and/or the like. Additionally, each of thesestorage devices may be connected to the system bus by an appropriateinterface.

Furthermore, a number of executable instructions, applications, scripts,program modules, and/or the like may be stored by the various storagedevices and/or within RAM. Such executable instructions, applications,scripts, program modules, and/or the like may include an operatingsystem, a dispatch module, and a handling instruction module. Thedispatch module and the handling instruction module may control certainaspects of the operation of the parcel shifting system with theassistance of the processor and operating system, although thefunctionality need not be modularized. In addition to the programmodules, the carrier system may store and/or be in communication withone or more databases.

Also located within and/or associated with the system for shiftingparcels, in one embodiment, is a network interface for interfacing withvarious computing entities. This communication may be via the same ordifferent wired or wireless networks (or a combination of wired andwireless networks), as discussed above. For instance, the communicationmay be executed using a wired data transmission protocol, such as fiberdistributed data interface (FDDI), digital subscriber line (DSL),Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, data over cableservice interface specification (DOCSIS), and/or any other wiredtransmission protocol. Similarly, the carrier system may be configuredto communicate via wireless external communication networks using any ofa variety of protocols, such as 802.11, GSM, EDGE, GPRS, UMTS, CDMA2000,WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, E-UTRAN, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB, NAMPS, TACS and/or anyother wireless protocol.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the system's components maybe located remotely from other system components. Furthermore, one ormore of the components may be combined and additional componentsperforming functions described herein may be included in the system forshifting parcels.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , two perspective views of an example deliveryvehicle 100 having a storage structure shifting system 114 incorporatedtherein are provided, in accordance with aspects hereof. In variousembodiments, the delivery vehicle 100 may be a tractor and trailercombination, a van, a truck, a flatbed truck, a package car, and/or anyother form of vehicle having a storage area therein. In variousembodiments, each delivery vehicle 100 may be associated with a uniquevehicle identifier (such as a vehicle ID) that uniquely identifies thevehicle 100. The unique vehicle ID may include characters, such asnumbers, letters, symbols, and/or the like. For example, an alphanumericvehicle ID (e.g., “1221A445533AS445”) may be associated with eachdelivery vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the unique vehicle ID maybe the license plate, registration number painted or stickered on thedelivery vehicle 100, or other identifying information assigned to andvisible on the delivery vehicle 100. FIG. 1 represents an embodiment inwhich the delivery vehicle 100 is a truck comprising a storage area 108,a front portion 150, and a bulkhead 104 that separates the storage area108 from the front portion 150. The storage area 108 includes a reardoor opening 112 located at a rear of the delivery vehicle 100. A driverof the vehicle is seated at the front portion 150.

Both views of the vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 depict, via the numeral102, the direction (shown as clockwise) that the storage structureshifting system 114 can move each individual storage structure 106within the storage area 108 of the delivery vehicle 100. It should beunderstood that the storage structure shifting system 114 depicted inFIG. 1 is merely one example configuration of a system and that manyother configurations are possible. Additionally, in FIG. 1 , the topsurface (roof) and one side of the exterior of the delivery vehicle 100have been removed to show the inside of the storage space 108 of thedelivery vehicle 100 with the storage structures 106 loaded onto thedelivery vehicle 100. As seen in the top image of FIG. 1 , there is anopening 110 in the bulkhead area 104 from which the delivery vehicledriver (not shown) may retrieve one or more packages for delivery fromthe storage space 108. The delivery vehicle driver may also retrievepackages from the rear door opening 112 of the delivery vehicle 100.

As described herein, the storage structure shifting system 114 in thevehicle 100 allows any storage structure 106 in the delivery vehicle 100to be selectively presented to the delivery vehicle driver at variouslocations including the bulkhead 104 or at the rear door opening 112 forretrieval as shown in FIG. 1 . This reduces the need for space withinthe storage space 108 of the vehicle 100 that is used by the vehicledelivery driver to enter the storage space 108 to retrieve one or moreparcels for delivery. As such, the system enables a more complete use ofthe storage space 108 of delivery vehicle 100 during deliveryoperations. This allows the vehicle to deliver more parcels on eachdelivery dispatch, which may reduce delivery time and also reduceoperating costs for the logistics carrier associated with the deliveryvehicle 100. While FIG. 1 depicts the rear door opening 112 and thebulkhead 104 as two potential locations for retrieval of a parcel, otherlocations within the delivery vehicle 100, such as but not limited to,one or multiple openings on a side of the delivery vehicle 100, anopening on the roof of the delivery vehicle 100, or doors in the floorof the delivery vehicle 100 configured for release of a delivery robotare contemplated herein as additional potential retrieval locations. Adelivery robot may be a wheeled or legged delivery robot that retrievesand transports the parcels form such locations.

Turning to FIG. 2 , another perspective view of the delivery vehicle 100shown in FIG. 1 with the storage structures 106 (e.g., which may bewheeled storage carts as shown elsewhere herein) fully loaded isprovided, in accordance with an aspect hereof. As seen in FIG. 2 , thedelivery vehicle 100 is loaded with parcels 200 of various sizes andshapes, the parcels being located on multiple storage shelves (notshown) located within the storage space 108. While not shown in FIG. 2 ,the storage shelves may be inserted into or otherwise integrated withthe storage structures 106, may be removable, and/or may be insertedinto the storage structures 106 at various locations thereof, allowingfor storage of parcels of all different sizes and shapes at variouspositions on the storage structure 106. This allows for the loading ofregular and irregular sized or shaped packages (e.g. oversized and/orheavy) through the utilization of different shelving configurations.This is discussed further below with respect to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 depicts an example storage structure 106 that is presented forthe purposes of the illustrated embodiment as a wheeled storage cart.The wheeled storage cart includes a storage shelf 300 and wheeledcasters 302. As seen in the far right image in FIG. 3 , the examplestorage structure 106 includes multiple removable storage shelves 300,310, and 312 that may be secured to the storage structure 106 atdifferent locations/heights in order to accommodate parcels that mayvary in size and shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , there arethree removable storage shelves 300, 310, and 312 inserted into thestorage structure 106. The bottom shelf 310 is placed at a height andwith a height-spacing that would allow for packages with a relativelygreater height to be placed under it than with the middle shelf 312. Inaddition to being removable, the storage shelves 300, 310, and 312 maybe lightweight, with reduced material portions as shown in FIG. 3 , andmay include an integrated lip to prevent parcels from moving once loadedonto the storage shelves 300, 310, and 312.

As further shown in FIG. 3 , the 360 degree wheeled casters 302 areintegrated into the storage structure 106, which allows the storagestructure 106 to be rolled across a surface. In some instances, casterssimilar to those depicted in FIG. 3 are located below the bottom surfaceof a storage structure 106. By contrast, the integrated wheeled casters302 shown in FIG. 3 are located at least partially above (e.g., towardsa middle of the storage structure 106) the bottom surface 314 of thestorage structure 106 such that they are integrated into the storagestructure 106 in such a manner that allows for further maximization ofthe storage space within a delivery vehicle. This integrated designallows the bottom 314 of the storage structure 106 to sit proximate orsubstantially flush to the support surface of the storage space. Thisallows for the utilization of additional space which would otherwise beat least partially used by wheeled casters that are not recessed intothe storage structure 106.

FIG. 4 depicts the storage structure 106 and a variety of examplestorage shelves that can be removably secured to the storage structure106 at different locations. As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the storagestructure 106 is configured so that a variety of different storageshelves 400, 402, 404, 406, and 408 can be secured thereon, therebyincreasing the versatility and adaptability of the system in achievingdifferent parcel storing configurations. The storage shelves 400, 402,404, 406, and 408, as shown in FIG. 4 , may differ in size, shape,cross-section, type of support surface, amount or location of reducedmaterial portions, depth, etc., and may utilize common attachmentmechanisms (e.g., clips, male-female engaging elements, engaging ormateable protrusions, etc.) to attach the shelves 400, 402, 404, 406,and 408 to the storage structure 106. In various embodiments, thestorage structure 106 is sized and shaped to support a plurality ofitems and to be secured within a delivery vehicle, such as the vehicle100 shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to the shelves 400, 402, 404, 406, 408 shown in FIG. 4 , shelf400 is a wire shelf comprising a plurality of shelf rails 416 thatextend across the shelf 400. Shelf 402 includes an overlay 418 designedto provide support for heavier parcels that may be placed on the shelf402. FIG. 4 also depicts a half shelf 404 which is designed to besimilar to the shelf 400 but with a smaller number of shelf rails 420.Unlike the shelf 400, the shelf rails 420 on the half shelf 404 onlyextend across a portion of the half shelf 404 (in this case, acrossapproximately half of the half shelf 404). The half shelf 404 isdesigned to support the storage of long or tall parcels 422 as seen inthe storage structure 106 show on the right side of FIG. 4 .Additionally, the storage structure 106 may also be configured toreceive a shelf 406 that is in the shape of a tray. The shelf 406 may beplanar and may be designed to at least partially envelop and/or supportsmall parcels, as shown at the top of the storage structure 106 depictedon the right side of FIG. 4 . The shelf 408 may be shaped as a tray withgreater depth than the tray of the shelf 406 and may also be removablysecured to the storage structure 106. While FIG. 4 illustrates fiveexample storage shelf configurations, which may be integrated into thestorage structure 106 in modular fashion, it is contemplated thatadditional or alternative storage shelves and components are usable withthe storage structure 106 or other types of storage structures asdescribed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a cantilevered storage shelf 500 thatcan be removably secured to a storage structure, such as the storagestructure 106 shown in FIG. 5 , in accordance with an embodiment hereof.The cantilevered shelf 500 is compatible with the storage structure 106and can be removably secured to the storage structure 106 in the samemanner as the storage shelves discussed in FIG. 4 . For example, thestorage structure 106 includes side recesses that are sized, shaped, andpositioned to receive edges of the shelf 500 or shelves 400, 402, 404,406, and 408, supporting their attachment and mounting on the storagestructure 106. Further, the cantilevered shelf 500 is designed to allowfor UAV retrieval of a parcel positioned on the shelf 500. In thisrespect, looking at FIG. 5 , the shelf 500 includes a battery pack 502that is coupled to the rails 504 extending from the cantilevered shelf500. The parcel 506 is secured to the battery pack 502. Multiple batterypacks 502 and correspondingly coupled parcels 506 may be secured to eachcantilevered shelf 500 and then removably secured to the storagestructure 106 for retrieval by one or more mateable UAVs. The storagestructure 106 shown in FIG. 5 includes three battery packs 502 and threecorresponding parcels 506 that are attached to each cantilever shelf500. As shown, the storage structure 106 has the parcels positioned forretrieval by a UAV, as discussed further below.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sliding bulkhead door 600 and helper seat 602located in a delivery vehicle adapted for shifting and staging parcelsstored therein, in accordance with aspects hereof. The helper seat 602is secured to the sliding bulkhead door 600. When the delivery driver604 needs to retrieve one or more parcels 614 through the bulkhead 608of the example delivery vehicle 100, the sliding bulkhead door 600 canbe moved laterally so that the storage space 610 is accessible by thedriver 604 from the front portion 620 at the bulkhead 608. When thesliding bulkhead door 600 is moved to open the storage space 610, thesecured helper seat 602 slides behind the delivery vehicle driver's seat612 as shown in FIG. 6 . This design supports greater access to thestorage space 610 and also allow for access to the storage structure 106directly from the bulkhead 608. This design also reduces the need forthe delivery vehicle driver 604 to leave the front portion 620, open theback door (not shown) of the delivery vehicle 100, and enter thedelivery vehicle 100 to locate and retrieve one or more parcels 614 fordelivery. Instead, the system, as described herein, will move thestorage structures 106 using a shifting mechanism (not shown in FIG. 6but discussed further below), so that the storage structure 106comprising the one or more parcels 614 that are to be delivered by thevehicle driver 606 is located at the bulkhead 608 for easy retrievalwhen the sliding bulkhead door 600 is moved laterally to open thestorage space 610.

To describe one example parcel delivery operation, a computing systemassociated with the parcel shifting and staging system located withinthe vehicle 100 may detect that parcel 1 is to be delivered todestination A along the delivery route. Upon making this determination,the system may activate the shifting mechanisms described further belowto move the storage structures 106 into a different position and/orarrangement so that the storage structure 106 comprising parcel 1 ismoved to the bulkhead opening 618 for retrieval by the vehicle driver604 at the appropriate time (e.g., when the vehicle arrives atdestination A). While the storage structures 106 (shown in FIG. 2 ) aremoved to the bulkhead 608 so that the one or more parcels 614 locatedthereon can be retrieved for delivery, it is contemplated that inanother aspect the system may move the storage structures 106 similarlybut instead to a rear door of the delivery vehicle 100, which allows thevehicle delivery driver 604 to retrieve the appropriate parcel fordelivery at the rear door instead of at the bulkhead 608. Either or bothof these retrieval processes are contemplated herein.

Continuing with FIG. 6 , the helper seat 602 is foldable and designed toslide behind the vehicle driver's seat 612 when the sliding bulkheaddoor 600 is moved laterally to an open position. Additionally, thehelper seat 602 is also removable so that when it is not needed, it canbe removed, providing more free space in the bulkhead 608. Finally, thehelper seat 602 is also designed to enhance comfort for an individualhelper who may be seated in the helper seat 602 during the deliveryvehicle 100's delivery route.

FIG. 7 depicts the delivery vehicle 100 of FIG. 1 with multiple storagestructures 106 loaded with parcels stored therein, in accordance with anaspect hereof. As shown in FIG. 7 , the parcel shifting and stagingsystem in the vehicle allows for increased use of the storage space 108relative to a design that includes space for a vehicle driver to enterthe storage space 108.

While the parcel shifting and staging system in the vehicle improves thedelivery process, there are still several challenges presented by parcelloading allocation and delivery sequencing. Challenges presentedinclude: 1) documenting the storage structure 106 with which each parcelis associated, and 2) identifying one or more parcels that aredesignated for the delivery at a next stop in a delivery route.Documentation of the parcels that are placed in each storage structure106 can be done via 3D scanning technology, using RFID triangulationtechnology, or via manual loading and tracking of the parcels into thestorage structures. Additionally, if a computer-controlled robot isutilized to load the storage structures, the computer-controlled robotmay record the location that each parcel is loaded onto and/orcommunicate information related to the same to a computing systemassociated with a logistics carrier and/or with the delivery vehicle.

As the delivery vehicle driver 604 makes each stop, the system may,including in advance of arriving at the destination, identify whichparcel is needed so that the corresponding storage structure 106 andrelevant parcels are in position for retrieval. The system may identifythe relevant parcels and move the appropriate storage structure 106 tothe bulkhead 104 or rear door opening 112 for parcel retrieval inresponse to the delivery vehicle driver 604 triggering the system toprepare for the next delivery location, or based on the pre-establisheddelivery route used by the driver to deliver the parcels. Additionally,utilizing artificial intelligence, a delivery guidance system may knowthe delivery route and automatically move the storage structures uponthe determination that the delivery vehicle is en route or has arrivedat each delivery location. Further, the delivery guidance system maymodify the travel route based a variety of conditions (e.g. trafficconditions, weather conditions, etc.).

FIG. 8 depicts multiple example parcels 800 that may be loaded ontostorage structures 106 for delivery via the delivery vehicle 100, inaccordance with an aspect hereof. As mentioned, parcel allocation may becompleted via 3D scanning technology, using RFID triangulationtechnology, and/or using manual loading processes and tracking. If 3Dscanning technology is used, each parcel 800 may be captured while eachstorage structure 106 is being loaded onto the vehicle 100 using a 3Dcamera sensor that is linked to a barcode scanner, a RFID reader, or anyother system that can identify the parcels 800, such as acomputer-controlled vision system. Alternatively, image recognitiontechnology (e.g., optical character recognition (OCR)) may be utilizedto identify which parcels are being loaded onto each storage shelf ineach storage structure 106. Further, intelligent systems may be utilizedto identify parcels by determining distinctive attributes of theparcels, such as the texture, shape, and size of the parcels.

When RFID triangulation technology is used, each parcel will include anRFID label on the parcel 800's exterior surface. The RFID labels may becaptured by antennas and sensors placed on the storage structures 106,on the loading structure area, or in the storage area 108 in thedelivery vehicle 100. Individual loaders responsible for loading the oneor more parcels 800 onto each storage structure 106 may have a handheldmobile device that directs the loader as to which storage structure 106and storage shelf 300 each parcel 800 should be loaded. Individualloaders may utilize loading charts that specify which storage structures106 and storage shelves 300 are assigned to each postcode range toensure that the parcels 800 going to the same destination are placed inthe same storage structure 106. The parcels 800 may be loaded onto thestorage shelves 300 of the storage structures 106 manually by theloaders, or mechanically by automated apparatus, such as a CNC ormulti-axis loading robot.

During the loading process, an associated shipping indicia for eachparcel 800 may be captured. In various embodiments, the shipping indiciamay include an item/shipment identifier and/or a destination address.The captured shipping indicia may be transmitted to the one or morelogistics carrier computing systems. The one or more logistics carriercomputing systems may identify the destination information (eithercaptured or determined using the item/shipment identifier) and comparethe destination address against a dispatch plan to determine whichroute/vehicle is assigned to deliver parcels to the destination address.In some embodiments, the destination address may be captured and sent tothe one or more logistics carrier computing systems in addition to or inplace of the item/shipment unique identifier. In addition to identifyingthe route/vehicle, the one or more carrier systems may also identifywhich storage structure 106 and storage shelf 300 thereof is supposed tohold the particular parcel 800. The one or more logistics carriercomputing systems may then generate a handling instruction identifyingthe appropriate route/vehicle, storage structure, and storage shelf forthe delivery.

Turning next to FIG. 9 , which depicts a delivery vehicle driver 900that will utilize artificial intelligence and intelligence augmentationduring the parcel delivery process, in accordance with aspects herein.Conventional AI systems are designed to replace the delivery driver'sexperience with advanced algorithms. However, the AI decisions are basedon available structured data only. As such, at times, the AI does notaccount for considerations such as real-time events, such as roadconstruction, road accidents, weather, traffic delays, etc. Further,delivery vehicle drivers are experienced in navigating their deliveryroutes and provide a unique source of delivery and routing intelligencethat may be used to augment the structured data used by AI. As such, itis contemplated that AI assisted routing in combination with driverintelligence augmentation can be used with the present embodiments tofurther improve the efficiency and process of delivering parcels.

Referencing one example system that dynamically uses driver intelligenceaugmentation in combination with AI, a delivery route guidance system902 may propose the best sequence of stops on a delivery route based onthe aforementioned structured data, while still allowing the deliveryvehicle driver 900 to trigger an alternative selected route sequence.Additionally, the delivery route guidance system 902 may dynamicallylearn from the changes triggered by the vehicle driver to utilize theacquired knowledge for future delivery route generation. Additionally,the delivery route guidance system 902 may provide suggestions for thesequence of stops and the delivery route based on a mix of road andtraffic concerns (current and foreseen for the day), weather forecastand past impact on traffic, past delivery decisions of the vehicledriver or drivers on the same route, specific past behavior of aconsignee of the parcel to be delivered, and/or real time informationprovided by the consignee. For example, the delivery route guidancesystem 902 may provide advice based on when the consignee is usuallyhome or if the consignee has notified the logistics carrier that he orshe will not be home for a period of time or at specific dates or times.Utilizing this information, the delivery route guidance system 902 maydynamically adjust the sequence of stops and, in turn using the storagestructure shifting and staging embodiments described herein, rearrangethe movable storage structures 106 in a delivery vehicle 100 so that theappropriate parcels are staged for retrieval. The delivery routeguidance system 906 may further provide visibility of current deliveryroutes, alternate delivery routes, staging of parcels, and otherinformation on an interface viewable by the delivery vehicle driver 900,which may also provide route recommendations and show performanceanalysis for the delivery vehicle driver 900.

FIG. 10 depicts an example delivery vehicle driver 1000 retrieving oneor more parcels 1002 from a storage structure 1004, which in theillustrated example of FIG. 10 is a storage cart, located at a bulkhead1006 of a delivery vehicle 1008, in accordance with an aspect hereof. InFIG. 10 , the storage structure 1004 has been moved to the bulkheadopening 1010 by a storage structure shifting mechanism located withinthe storage space of the vehicle 1008. The storage structure shiftingmechanism is used to arrange the storage structure 1004 based on thedelivery route and present the storage structure 1004 to the driver 1000at the bulkhead opening 1010 or rear door (not shown) when the vehicle1008 arrives at the appropriate delivery destination. The storagestructure shifting mechanism is linked to the delivery route guidancesystem which guides the operation of the storage structure shiftingmechanism so that the appropriate storage structures 1004 are stagedbefore the stop at which they are to be delivered is reached. Thisincreases the speed, efficiency, and accuracy with which parcels can beretrieved and delivered. This also prevents unnecessary delays due towaiting for the storage structure shifting mechanism to cycle theappropriate storage structure by staging the appropriate storagestructure in advance, or by waiting for the vehicle delivery driver tolocate the parcel on their own. As such, the storage structure shiftingmechanism and delivery route guidance system intelligently function incombination to dynamically adjust and stage the storage structures notonly based upon the next stop in the delivery route as planned, but alsobased upon any changes to the route made by the system or by thedelivery vehicle driver.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the delivery vehicle 1100, storagestructures 1106, and a UAV 1104 that is mateable/useable with anassociated rail system 1108 (e.g., as described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 62/329,491, filed on Apr. 29, 2016) located on theroof 1124 of the delivery vehicle 1100, in accordance with an aspecthereof. After making a delivery of a parcel, the UAV 1104 lands on therail system 1108 at a docking location 1102. The UAV 1104 lands with thebattery pack (not shown) still attached. Upon landing, the UAV 1104moves along the rail system 1108, deposits the used battery pack 1114(not shown in FIG. 11 ) at some deposit location along and under therail system 1108, and then moves to retrieve the next parcel fordelivery. In one aspect, the UAV 1104 may disengage the battery pack1114 along the rail system 1108, depositing it onto a storage structure1106 (e.g., an empty storage structure from which parcels where alreadyretrieved). The removal of the battery pack 1114 from the UAV 1104 mayoccur anywhere along the rail system 1108 where there is an opening(such as an automated roof hatch) or deposit receptacle.

Continuing with FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, there may be an open oradjustable hatch 1120 located towards the rear of the delivery vehicle100, positioned over the storage area of the vehicle 100. In such aconfiguration, once the UAV 1104 has made a delivery, the UAV 1104returns to the vehicle 100 and can land on the rail system 1108. The UAV1104 proceeds down the rail system 1108 to the hatch 1120 which may beused by the UAV 1104 for depositing the battery pack 1114 onto anassigned storage shelf on a designated storage structure 1106. Once theUAV 1104 has moved along the landing rail 1108 and is in position abovethe hatch 1120, it retrieves the battery pack 1114 and parcel 1118(shown in FIG. 12 ) from the storage space for delivery. The batterypacks 1114 may, in the described aspect, be designed for single deliveryuse, but it is also envisioned that the system may utilize battery packs1114 that can be reused. If used for a single delivery, the UAV 1104will disengage and “drop off” the battery pack 1114 upon arrival back atthe delivery vehicle 100 after making a parcel delivery. In alternateembodiments, if the battery pack 1114 is used for multiple deliveries,then the UAV 1104 will travel along the rail system 1108 to the hatchopening 1120 to retrieve the next parcel for delivery.

FIG. 12 also illustrates a lifting mechanism 1202 that lifts the parcel1118 and attached battery pack 1114 off a storage shelf located on astorage structure in the storage space, and places the parcel 1118 andbattery pack 1104 in position for retrieval by the UAV 1104. Referringback to FIG. 5 , the cantilevered shelves 500 are illustrated on whicheach parcel would be supported by a connected individual battery pack1114. This allows the UAV 1104 to retrieve the parcel 1118 and batterypack 1114 together. Upon attachment of the battery pack 1114 and parcel1118 to the UAV 1104, the UAV 1104 may exit the landing rail 1108 anddepart to deliver the parcel 1118 as shown in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 13 depicts an enlarged view of the lift mechanism 1202 shown inFIG. 12 that is used to remove the coupled battery back 1114 and parcel1118 from the exemplary storage structure 1304 located in the vehicle100 shown in FIG. 12 and lift it for retrieval by the UAV 1104 at thehatch opening 1120.

FIG. 14 depicts two additional side views of the UAV rail 1108 shown inFIG. 12 . The left image depicts the parcels 1118 with the battery packs1114 coupled, with the combined parcels/battery packs stored in thestorage structure 1304 awaiting retrieval by the UAV 1104. As also seenin FIG. 14 , the UAV 1104 is in place above the roof hatch opening 1120and the lift mechanism 1202 has retrieved the coupled parcel 1118 andbattery pack 1114 off one of the storage shelves of the storagestructure 1304 and moved the coupled battery pack 1114 and parcel 1118vertically to be retrieved by the waiting UAV 1104. The roof hatchopening 1120 enables the removal of a spent battery pack 1114 andloading of a new battery pack 1114 coupled with a parcel 1118 that isready for delivery. In the right image shown in FIG. 14 , the UAV 1104has progressed along the landing rail 1108 to the roof hatch opening1120, and the battery pack 1114 and parcel 1118 are in position awaitingretrieval by the UAV 1104. It should be noted that while FIGS. 12-14depict a single rail system 1108 on the delivery vehicle 100, it iscontemplated that delivery vehicle 100 may comprise two or more railsystems to allow for additional and more rapid parcel and battery packretrieval.

FIGS. 15-22 illustrate the various ways the example storage structuresdescribed herein may be shifted and staged in a storage space using theshifting mechanisms and control systems described herein. Four designembodiments are presented in FIGS. 15-22 , but additional designs arecontemplated, and these designs are provided as non-limiting exampleaspects. In a first depicted configuration, the movement of the storagestructures is facilitated from below the storage structures; in thesecond depicted configuration, the movement of the storage structures isfacilitated from the top of the storage structures; in the thirddepicted configuration, the movement of the storage structures isfacilitated from the side of the storage structures; and in the fourthconfiguration, the movement of the storage structures is facilitatedfrom the middle of the storage structures. The movement from eachposition is provided by a shifting mechanism which may comprises one ormore actuators and engaging components as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the storage structures (e.g., storage carts withstorage shelves for parcels) may be moved/shifted in a clockwisedirection in the vehicle storage space until a storage structure withparcels to be staged for delivery is either at the bulkhead 1502 or reardoor opening 1504 of the vehicle 1500, and therefore positioned so thatthe delivery vehicle driver can retrieve the parcels for delivery.

FIGS. 16 and 18 depict perspective views of an example support surface1618 located in a storage space of a delivery vehicle 100, in accordancewith an aspect hereof. The support surface 1618 includes a shiftingmechanism that comprises multiple powered rollers 1600 that are eachdriven by actuators (e.g., rotational actuators, which may be electricactuators) that impart rotational movement to each of the rollers in atleast one direction. As shown in FIGS. 16-18 , the rollers 1600 locatedin the middle portion 1602 of the support surface 1618 may move in twodirections, either towards a first end 1608 of the storage space ortoward a second end 1610 of the storage space. Other rollers, such asthose found in areas 1604 and 1606, may be configured to rotate in asimilar direction or in a direction perpendicular to the rollers in themiddle portion 1602. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 16 , the rollers inareas 1604 and 1606 may extend and retract depending on the direction ofrotation that is desired, and by association, the direction of movementof the storage structures engaged by the rollers. In other words, therollers 1600 in row 1612 are configured to move the storage structureeither towards the first end 1608 or the second end 1610 of the storagespace in the delivery vehicle 100 when raised and actuated, and therollers 1600 in row 1614 are configured to move the storage structuretowards a first side 1601 or a second side 1603 of the storage spacewithin the delivery vehicle 100 when raised and actuated. In this sense,when the rollers 1600 in row 1614 are extended to move the storagestructure, the rollers 1600 in row 1612 will be retracted to allow forsuch movement, since the rollers 1612 when raised and actuated wouldprovide movement in a perpendicular direction. Similarly, when therollers 1600 in row 1612 are extended to engage and move the storagestructures on the support surface 1618, the rollers in row 1614 will beretracted to allow for such movement without interference. The rollers1616 located along the edges of the support surface 1618 may benon-actuated, and instead may simply be free-spinning so that thestorage structures can smoothly transition between different rollersareas of the support surface 1618 by rolling across the rollers 1616.

FIG. 17 depicts an example storage structure base 1700 that can be usedto support a storage structure as it is moved across a support surface,such as the support surface 1618 shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 , inaccordance with an aspect hereof. The base 1700 is configured to bepositioned on the support surface 1618 of the delivery vehicle 100 ontop of the rollers 1600. Each base 1700 is configured to receive astorage structure, such as the storage structure 106 shown in FIG. 3 ,and can be moved by the rollers 1600 around a storage area of a supportsurface with actuated rollers as described with respect to FIGS. 16 and18 . Additionally, the base 1700 has a receiving side 1702 that isconfigured to receive a storage structure 106. The receiving side may beused for insertion and removal of a storage structure with the base1702. The utilization of the flat moving base 1700 provides smoothmovement that is not linked to the quality of the casters and is simpleto install. It also provides for the ability to move the storagestructures in multiple directions, including clockwise andcounterclockwise. Further, the moving bases 1700 provides flexibility toutilize a variety of storage structures that can fit within thedimensions of the base and also provides flexibility to store largerparcels on larger sized moving bases.

FIG. 19 shows an alternate embodiment of a support surface 1618 thatincludes a shifting mechanism comprising a plurality of actuated rollers1600, in accordance with an aspect hereof. In the depicted embodiment,the rollers 1600 are coupled to actuators, with some rotating in a firstdirection and others rotating in a perpendicular direction. Thesemulti-direction rollers are located across support surface 1620, asopposed to only being located in isolated areas as shown in FIGS. 16 and18 . This configuration allows the storage structures 106 to be shiftedand positioned with greater mobility relative to the design shown inFIGS. 16 and 18 . This provides more versatility for changing the orderof the storage structures on the support surface 1620 by providinggreater directional control. This is beneficial in circumstances where adelivery vehicle driver may change the delivery route, thereby changingthe order of the original deliveries and requiring a significantre-ordering of the storage structures.

This embodiment is further illustrated in FIG. 20 which shows how thesupport surface 1618 comprising the plurality of rollers 1600 can movethe bases 1700 (and any storage structures 106 resting thereon) both ina first direction and in a perpendicular second direction, depending onwhich rollers are raised and actuated as discussed with respect to FIGS.16 and 18 . As shown, the rollers 1600 can move a base 2000 in onedirection using one set of rollers 2002 in order to open space on thesupport surface 1618. The rows of the rollers 2002 under base 2000 thatrotate in this direction are in this circumstance in a raised positionand rotationally actuated to move the moving base 2000 in thisdirection, while the rollers 2004 that rotate in a perpendiculardirection are retracted to allow the base 2000 to move withoutinterference from them. Additionally, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 20, the base 2000 may also move in another perpendicular direction towardsthe first end 1608 or second end 1610 of the delivery vehicle 100 whenthe rollers 2004 are raised and actuated, while the rollers 2002 areretracted.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment in which a double deep base 2100is placed upon the support surface 1618 of the delivery vehicle 100. Thebase 2100 is configured to store larger parcels compared to the base1700, such as, for example, parcel 2102, and is movable in the samemanner as the other bases described herein. This configuration providesfurther flexibility, allowing the delivery vehicle 100 and shiftingmechanism therein to accommodate both parcels that are able to fit inthe storage structures 106 and larger parcels that require differentsized bases that are shifted about the support surface 1618.

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of a storage structure shiftingsystem that is adapted to shift storage structures 2308 (e.g., wheeledstorage carts with configurable shelves as discussed herein) within avehicle storage space for staging purposes, in accordance with an aspecthereof. In this example, the depicted storage structure 2308 is moved ina lateral direction across the storage space using a shifting mechanism2304, such as a push/pull mechanism, shown in further detail in FIGS.23A and 23B, that moves the storage structure 2308 across the storagespace to a position in front of the bulkhead 104 of the delivery vehicle100. This positioning allows a vehicle delivery vehicle driver toretrieve stored parcels from the storage structure 2308 at that positionduring a delivery process without having to enter the storage area andsearch for the parcels.

Looking now at FIG. 23A, in this embodiment, the support surface 2300 ofthe delivery vehicle 100 is an approximately flat base. Further, FIG.23A includes shifting mechanism 2304 and shifting mechanism 2305 thatare used in combination for pushing/pulling the storage structures 2308within the storage space 108. The storage space 108 also includes adividing panel 2302 that is located generally in the middle of thestorage space 108. The dividing panel 2302 generally separates thestorage space 108 into two areas of travel for the storage structures2308, with one side for a first direction of travel and the other sidefor an opposite second direction of travel. The dividing panel 2302 alsohelps to maintain the proper direction of the shifted storage structures2308. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 26 , the delivery vehicle 100 mayfurther include an elevating platform 2600 configured so that thestorage structures 2308 can be loaded onto the delivery vehicle 100 andfor lowering the storage structures 2308 off the delivery vehicle 100 asneeded.

The shifting mechanism 2304 and the shifting mechanism 2305 each includeseveral components that enable them to push/pull the storage structures2308 within the storage space 108. This allows the storage structures2308 to move in a controlled, clockwise fashion that allows differentstorage structures 2308 to be staged in the storage space 108 for parcelretrieval. For example, the shifting mechanism 2304 includes a firstshifter assembly 2306A and a second shifter assembly 2310A that are usedto shift the storage structures 2308 laterally and then longitudinally,respectively, within the storage space 108 at a first end of the storagespace. The first and second shifters 2306A and 2310A may each includevarious engaging structures and actuators for facilitating suchmovement. The shifting mechanism 2305 includes a first shifter assembly2306B and a second shifter assembly 2310B that are used to shift thestorage structures 2308 similarly in lateral and longitudinaldirections, respectively, but at the an opposite second end of thestorage space 108. The first and second shifter assemblies 2306B, 2310Bmay also each include various engaging structures and actuators forfacilitating movement of the storage structures 2308.

To effectuate the movement of the storage structures 2308 within thestorage space 108, there needs to be at least one open floor space 2314that is the size of the floor area of a storage structure 2308, so thatthe storage structures 2308 can be moved into new positions in thestorage space 108 by the shifting mechanisms 2304 and 2305. This openspace allows the shifting mechanisms 2304 and 2305 to push/pull thestorage structures 2308 into the open area of the storage space. Thiseffectuated movement allows a storage structure having the parcels forthe next delivery to be advanced to a retrieval, or staging, area in thestorage space (e.g., a bulkhead door or a rear door of the deliveryvehicle).

The movement imparted by the shifting mechanisms 2304 and 2305 canfurther be seen in FIG. 23B, which depicts the shifting mechanisms 2304and 2305 without the storage structures present, in accordance with anaspect hereof. As shown, the shifting mechanism 2304 at the second end1610 moves the storage structure 2308 (shown in FIG. 23A) laterallyacross the storage space 108. More specifically, the first shifter 2306Aengages a storage structure 2308 (not shown) and moves it laterallyacross the storage space 108. Then, the second shifter 2310A will engagethe storage structure 2308 and move the storage structure 2308longitudinally towards the first end 1608 of the vehicle 100. As shown,the shifting mechanisms 2304 and 2305 move the storage structures 2308in clockwise fashion in the storage space shown in FIG. 23B. However, inalternate embodiments, they may rotate the support structurescounterclockwise, and either direction is contemplated herein. Once thestorage structure 2308 is advanced to the first end 1608 of the vehicle100, the third shifter 2306B engages the storage structure 2308 andmoves the storage structure 2308 laterally across the storage space 108.Once fully advanced, the fourth shifter 2310B engages and moves thestorage structure 2308 longitudinally towards the second end 1610 of thevehicle 100. Each shifter 2306A, 2306B, 2310A, and 2310B may be poweredby one or more actuators coupled to a control system. Further, it shouldbe noted that the operation of any shifting mechanisms in any storagespace (e.g., in a vehicle) may be controlled, monitored, and/orotherwise directed by a controller connected to a computing system. Thecomputing system may be local to the storage space (e.g., located on adelivery vehicle) and/or may be located remotely (e.g., at an operationcenter), and may be connected to an interface with which a deliverydriver is able to interact.

FIG. 23C depicts the loading of a storage structure 2308 into thestorage space 108 of the example delivery vehicle 100 and the push/pullactuation of the shifting mechanisms 2304 and 2305 of FIG. 23A, inaccordance with an aspect hereof. As shown by arrow 2312, the storagestructure 2308 is loaded onto the support surface 2300, via theelevating platform 2600, at the second end 1610 of the storage space108. Once loaded, the first shifter 2306A of the shifting mechanism 2304will move storage structure 2308 laterally so that the storage structure2308 is in position for the second shifter 2310A to move the storagestructure 2308 longitudinally from the second end 1610 toward the firstend 1608 of the vehicle 100.

FIG. 23D depicts another embodiment of the system for shifting storagestructures and parcels located thereon described herein, with a shiftingmechanism 2350 located proximate a top region of the storage space 108and adapted to move the storage structures 2308 (not shown) from above,in accordance with an aspect hereof. In this embodiment, the shiftingmechanism 2350 is configured around the dividing panel 2302. It iscontemplated that the shifting mechanism 2350 may or may not be securedto the dividing panel 2302. As shown, the shifting mechanism 2350 is notsecured to the dividing panel 2302 and instead is secured to the vehicle100 adjacent the top surface (not shown). Additionally, it iscontemplated that in some embodiments, there may be no dividing panel2302. The shifting mechanism 2350 comprises multiple engaging structures2352 that may be used to engage with and impart movement to the storagestructures 2308. The shifting mechanism 2350 may be powered by one ormore actuators and/or may include at least one track along which theengaging structures 2352 move. Further, the shifting mechanism 2350 isshown as facilitating movement of the storage structures 2308 clockwise.However, in other embodiments, the shifting mechanism 2350 mayfacilitate movement of the storage structures 2308 counterclockwise, andeither direction is contemplated.

In addition to facilitating movement of the storage structures 2308 fromthe top, sides, and bottom, additional embodiments may comprise ashifting mechanism 2360 that is located in a center of the storage space108 and adapted to move the storage structures 2308 (not shown) from amiddle region, as shown in FIG. 23E. Similar to the embodiment of FIG.23D, the shifting mechanism 2360 is configured around the dividing panel2302 and may or may not be secured to the dividing panel 2302. In FIG.23E, the shifting mechanism 2360 is not secured to the dividing panel2302 and instead is secured/anchored to the vehicle 100 in a centerregion of the storage space 108 (the attachments are not shown in FIG.23E). Additionally, like FIG. 23D, it is contemplated that in someembodiments, there may be no dividing panel 2302. The shifting mechanism2360 further includes engaging structures 2362 that may engage with andimpart movement to the storage structures 2308. The shifting mechanism2360 may be powered by one or more actuators and/or may include at leastone track along which the engaging structures 2362 travel. Further, theshifting mechanism 2360 is shown as facilitating movement of the storagestructures 2308 clockwise. However, in other embodiments, the shiftingmechanism 2360 may facilitate movement of the storage structures 2308counterclockwise, and both directions are contemplated.

FIG. 24 depicts a retainer mechanism 2400 that is used to restrictmovement of a storage structure 2308 in a particular direction duringthe shifting process. In this respect, once a storage structure 2308passes through the retainer mechanism 2400, it is restricted fromreversing back towards a shifting mechanism 2304 and 2305 (not shown)that has just advanced it. The retainer mechanism 2400 includes aretainer arm 2402 (e.g., a hinged bar as shown in FIG. 24 ) and abiasing mechanism 2404 (e.g., a spring as shown in FIG. 24 ). As thestorage structure 2308 is advanced through the retainer mechanism 2400,the arm 2402 is depressed against the force of the biasing mechanism2404 and the storage structure 2308 is advanced. After the storagestructure 2308 advances past the arm 2402, the arm 2402 is biased backforward by the biasing mechanism 2404. This then blocks the storagestructure 2308 from traveling in the opposite direction back towards theshifting mechanism that has just advanced it. In a sense, the retainermechanism 2400 acts as a one-way clutch, supporting a proper directionof movement.

FIG. 25 depicts the delivery vehicle 100 having the shifting systemdiscussed herein, with the delivery vehicle 100 shown while parcels arebeing loaded onto storage structures 2512 located inside the storagespace 108. The parcels are loaded using a computer-controlled robot thatlifts and places each parcel at a location on the storage structures2512. Further, each parcel is scanned so that its unique identifyinginformation is associated with its position within the storagestructures 2512. This tracked positioning allows the location of theparcel to be known so that the parcel shifting system can appropriatelystage the parcel for retrieval at its delivery location using theshifting mechanisms and route guidance systems described herein.

For description purposes, a parcel may actually be a group of parcels, apackage or group of packages, scrap metal banded together, a vehiclepart, a box, a crate, a drum, a box strapped to a pallet, and/or anyother item or object. A parcel is not limited to a single package orenclosure of any particular type. In one embodiment, each parcel mayinclude an item/shipment identifier, such as a barcode, a MaxiCode, anelectronic representation, and/or text (e.g., alphanumeric text). Theunique parcel/shipment identifier (e.g., “123456789”) may be used by thelogistics carrier to identify and track the parcel as it moves throughthe carrier's transportation network. Such parcel/shipment identifierscan be affixed to items by, for example, using a sticker (e.g., label)with the unique parcel/shipment identifier printed thereon (in humanand/or machine readable form) or using an RFID tag with the uniqueparcel/shipment identifier stored therein. In addition to theparcel/shipment identifier, the label or RFID tag may also include othershipping indicia such as a destination address which may also becaptured. Generally described, parcels are received at a receivingstation where identification data may be captured for each parcel andhandling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a labelhaving indicia associated with the parcel may be generated and affixedto the item. The parcels may then be conveyed to a loading station orconveyer belt where the parcels are loaded onto an assigned storageshelf within an assigned storage structure based at least in part on thehandling instructions.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25 , the shelving unit loader 2500(e.g., the robot as depicted in FIG. 25 ) automatically loads parcelsfrom a conveyer belt 2514 onto storage structures 2512 located at therear door opening 112 of the delivery vehicle 100. While the shelvingunit loader 2500 is depicted as a robot in FIG. 25 , it is contemplatedthat a human loader may also load parcels onto the storage structures2512. When the parcels are loaded by a human, the storage structureshifting mechanism may cycle the storage structures to present either anassigned storage structure to the human loader for loading of theparcels or may present any storage structure with available space forthe parcels. The location of a parcel that is stored on a particularstorage structure may then be determined, stored, and/or communicated asdescribed elsewhere herein.

As shown, a scanner 2502 is used to scan each barcode label on eachparcel as the parcel advance down the conveyor belt 2514 towards theshelving unit loader 2500. The shelving unit loader 2500 retrieves aparcel, such as parcel 2506, from the convey belt 2514 and loads theparcel 2506 onto the assigned storage shelf 2520 on the assigned storagestructure 2512. The storage structure shifting system in the vehicle 100will dynamically move the storage structures within the storage area 108throughout the loading process to provide open shelves or loadingassigned parcels. Once the assigned parcels are loaded onto thecorresponding storage structure 2512 and shelf thereof, one of theshifting mechanisms described herein can then advance the loaded storagestructure 2512 within the vehicle 100 so that the next empty storagestructure 2512 may be positioned for loading by the shelving unit loader2500.

Alternatively, the storage structures 2512 may be loaded outside of thedelivery vehicle 100 with parcels and then placed into the deliveryvehicle 100 in such a way that each parcel location is tracked (e.g., bystorage structure and/or by shelf). The parcels may be loaded onto thestorage structures manually by loading personnel or automatically by ashelving unit loader 2500 as shown in FIG. 25 , or by a combination ofboth. This external loading process further increases efficiency due tothe shelving unit loader 2500 or manual loader no longer needing to waitfor the return of a delivery vehicle to prepare a next group of parcelsfor delivery. Instead, the parcels can be loaded onto the appropriatestorage structures prior to the vehicle's arrival at a loading facility.Since the packages would be loaded onto the assigned storage structures,minimal time would be spent loading the structures onto the deliveryvehicle. This would result in further improvement of the efficiency ofthe delivery process.

FIG. 27 depicts the storage structure shifting system described hereinin different forms. The first form 2702 shown in the top image moves thestorage structures from below, or in other words, engages and advancesthem from a support surface as described with respect to FIGS. 16 and 18. The second form 2704 shown in the bottom image engages and moves thestorage structures from above using the push-pull shifting mechanismsdescribed with respect to FIG. 23 . Each system may include variouscomponents, linkages, actuators, and control systems to facilitate theoperation of the shifting components, and the guiding of the storagestructures. For example, the shifting system shown in the below imagemay utilize gear and track based actuators, or linear actuators that areelectric, hydraulic, or otherwise mechanically driven. The shiftingsystem shown in the above image using the powered rollers may beelectrically driven and controlled.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed subject matterwill become apparent to one skilled in the art to which this inventionpertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly any “preferred embodiments” or“exemplary embodiments” are merely possible examples of theimplementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of theprinciples of the invention. Any variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit of the principles of theinvention. All such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded herein within the scope of the disclosure and present inventionand protected by the following claims/

In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that it willbe obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations andmodifications can be made to the preferred embodiment withoutsubstantially departing from the principles of the present invention.Also, such variations and modifications are intended to be includedherein within the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. Further, in the claims hereafter, the structures,materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step-plus functionelements are intended to include any structure, materials or acts forperforming their cited functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a support surface; ashifting mechanism comprising a plurality of rollers; and a plurality ofstorage structures movable along the support surface using the shiftingmechanism, wherein: each of the plurality of storage structures isconfigured to support at least one shelf, a first set of rollers of theplurality of rollers is configured to extend to engage the plurality ofstorage structures and rotate in a first direction of the supportsurface to move the plurality of storage structures in the firstdirection, and a second set of rollers of the plurality of rollers isconfigured to extend to engage the plurality of storage structures androtate in a second direction of the support surface to move theplurality of storage structures in the second direction.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein: the second set of rollers is configured to retractwhen the first set of rollers is extended to engage the plurality ofstorage structures and rotate in the first direction to move theplurality of storage structures in the first direction; and the firstset of rollers is configured to retract when the second set of rollersis extended to engage the plurality of storage structures and rotate inthe second direction to move the plurality of storage structures in thesecond direction.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofrollers is powered by actuators to provide rotational movement.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the shifting mechanism further comprises afirst shifter assembly configured to engage and move the plurality ofstorage structures in the first direction and a second shifter assemblyconfigured to engage and move the plurality of storage structures in thesecond direction.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the firstshifter assembly and the second shifter assembly comprises at least oneactuator, at least one engaging component adapted to engage with atleast one of the plurality of storage structures, and a one-wayretaining mechanism.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising aplurality of storage structure bases, wherein each storage structurebase of the plurality of storage structure bases is configured tosupport a storage structure of the plurality of storage structures asthe plurality of storage structures is moved in at least one of thefirst direction or the second direction.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of storage structures is arranged within a storagespace based on a delivery route of a delivery vehicle in which thestorage space is located, and the system further comprises a controllerconfigured to adjust a position of the plurality of storage structureswithin the storage space based on data on the delivery route receivedfrom a computing system associated with the system.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the controller is configured, based on the data, toadjust the position of the plurality of storage structures prior to adestination on the delivery route so that at least one parcelcorresponding to the destination is positioned at least one of a rearentry of the delivery vehicle for retrieval or a bulkhead of thedelivery vehicle for retrieval.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of storage structures is rearranged in a storage space and thesystem further comprises a dividing panel that separates the storagespace into two areas of travel for the plurality of storage structures.10. A method comprising: engaging, via a first shifter at a first end ofa storage space, a first storage structure of a plurality of storagestructures, wherein a floor of the storage space is configured with aplurality of rollers; moving, via the first shifter and one or more ofthe plurality of rollers, the first storage structure laterally acrossthe storage space at the first end; engaging, via a second shifter atthe first end, the first storage structure; moving, via the secondshifter and one or more of the plurality of rollers, a first portion ofthe plurality of storage structures longitudinally towards a second endof the storage space to advance the first portion towards the secondend; once the first portion is advanced towards the second end:engaging, via a third shifter at the second end, a second storagestructure of the plurality of storage structures; moving, via the thirdshifter and one or more of the plurality of rollers, the second storagestructure laterally across the storage space at the second end;engaging, via a fourth shifter at the second end, the second storagestructure; and moving, via the fourth shifter and one or more of theplurality of rollers, a second portion of the plurality of storagestructures longitudinally towards the first end of the storage space.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of rollers isconfigured to: extend to engage the first portion of the plurality ofstorage structures and rotate in a first direction to move the firstportion longitudinally towards the second end, and extend to engage thesecond portion of the plurality of storage structures and rotate in asecond direction to move the second portion longitudinally towards thefirst end.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of rollersis configured to: extend to engage the first storage structure androtate in a first direction to move the first storage structurelaterally across the storage space at the first end, and extend toengage the second storage structure and rotate in a second direction tomove the second storage structure laterally across the storage space atthe second end.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality ofstorage structures is rearranged within the storage space of a deliveryvehicle in which the storage space is located, and moving the secondportion of the plurality of storage structures longitudinally towardsthe first end of the storage space positions a third storage structureof the plurality of storage structures at a rear entry or a bulkhead ofthe delivery vehicle to facilitate retrieval of a parcel from the thirdstorage structure.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the firstshifter, the second shifter, the third shifter, and the fourth shifterare powered by one or more actuators.
 15. A system comprising: a supportsurface; a shifting mechanism comprising a plurality of rollers; and aplurality of storage structures movable along the support surface usingthe shifting mechanism, wherein: each of the plurality of storagestructures is configured to support at least one shelf, and at least aportion of the plurality of rollers is configured to extend to engagethe plurality of storage structures and rotate in a first direction ofthe support surface to move the plurality of storage structures in thefirst direction.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein a second portion ofthe plurality of rollers is configured to retract when the at least aportion of the plurality of rollers is extended to engage the pluralityof storage structures and rotate in the first direction to move theplurality of storage structures in the first direction.
 17. The systemof claim 15, wherein the shifting mechanism further comprises a shifterassembly configured to engage and move the plurality of storagestructures in the first direction.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe shifter assembly comprises at least one actuator, at least oneengaging component adapted to engage with at least one of the pluralityof storage structures, and a one-way retaining mechanism.
 19. The systemof claim 15 further comprising a plurality of storage structure bases,wherein each storage structure base of the plurality of storagestructure bases is configured to support a storage structure of theplurality of storage structures as the plurality of storage structuresis moved in the first direction.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein theplurality of storage structures is arranged within a storage space basedon a delivery route of a delivery vehicle in which the storage space islocated, and the system further comprises a controller configured toadjust a position of the plurality of storage structures within thestorage space based on data on the delivery route received from acomputing system associated with the system.